The Friends Of St. Michael's School, Busembatia, Uganda

Friends of St. Michael’s was registered with the Charity Commission in 2009. Fiona, a Trustee, had a wonderful time at St. Michael’s in her Gap Year in 2002. She returned to the school every year and started the building of the library. Other visits followed by members of her family and friends - all being moved by the love and friendship they received, and the drive and desire to do something to help. logo It was decided that the best way to give a clear focus to the efforts to support the school, both in practical ways on the ground and to help with fundraising, was to form a charity. Bishop Willigers Secondary School is next door to St. Michael’s. To encourage transition from primary to secondary and help support the parents it was felt necessary to encompass Bishop Willigers SS and the immediate community into our charitable aims. The charity is education and welfare-focused - to advance the education and welfare of the 600+ children at St. Michael's, the building and development of Bishop Willigers Secondary (300 pupils) and to help the immediate community - the village of Namunyumya. As a small charity with no overheads, such as salaries or rent, we are able to ensure that all donations go to where they are needed. At least 2 of the trustees travel out separately on an annual basis to oversee the various projects, sleeping at St. Michael's and getting involved with the life of the school and community. How We Work We are a small “kitchen table” UK registered charity. By this we mean we have no premises, only our own homes, and no equipment except that which we use in our everyday lives. Our trustees all volunteer their time and experience. At least 2 of the trustees travel to Namunyumya to oversee the projects every year and all donations are used in support of our Charitable Objectives. We feel strongly that all money given to the charity goes to help the schools and and the village of Namunyumya. We work closely with St Michael’s and the other village schools, staff, parents and school managements and the village of Namunyumya to ensure that all money and gifts are being spent wisely and on projects that are sustainable. Communication with the schools and community takes place frequently. In this way our support can be focused, relevant and up to date.